Weight Loss Tips for Dog Owners

Wouldn't it be great if there was one thing we could do to lower our cholesterol and blood pressure, halve our risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes and protect us against cancers and conditions like arthritis, depression and asthma? Well, there is. It's exercise!

Dog owners are in the lucky position where they have a reason to get out of the house and to exercise. There's nothing like your dog to motivate you to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a walk together. It can be really rewarding for both of you and the health benefits of walking just one mile a day (20 mins) are phenomenal.

Owning a dog is a brilliant way to lose weight, get fitter and improve the health of all the family, as a dog provides a real reason to go for regular walks.

How to get started

Start planning your training programme. If you incorporate dog activities such as agility, heelwork to music or canine cross country into this you'll be surprised how quickly you can get into shape.

Invest in a decent pair of trainers. Go to a specialist shop where the staff can advise you on a pair to suit your feet. You should be able to buy a good pair for £50.

Plan your training times.

Find a training buddy so that your motivation will be much stronger and you will commit to each other. Your dog is ideal!

Successful slimming - The key to losing weight is not, of course, exercise alone. It is also important that you are eating fewer calories than your body uses up so that you call on your fat stores to make up the difference.